Permanent Magnet Linear Transverse Flux Motors
Permanent Magnet Linear Transverse Flux Motors
Permanent Magnet Linear Transverse Flux Motors
MOTORS
ABSTRACT
The transverse flux machines (TFM), introduced at the beginning of the 80’s,
are possible solutions for diverse applications requiring special electrical machines
[1]. The researches have focused until now mainly on rotary TFMs. A new type of
permanent magnet linear transverse flux reluctance machine is proposed here. Such
machines can be successfully applied for example in conveyor applications. The
factors that influence the behaviour of the machine are also presented. Conclusions
on the operating conditions of the machine are drawn at the end of the paper.
INTRODUCTION
coil
permanent magnet
stator
Fig. 1. The linear transverse flux reluctance machine with permanent magnets.
To work properly the modules have to be shifted one from the next one by τ/N,
where τ is the tooth pitch and N is the number of the modules. The step size of the
machine is given by the number of modules at a certain τ [2].
A module of the machine is built up of two U shaped iron cores. Two permanent
magnets are placed on the lower U shaped iron core. The upper U shaped core
closes the flux path given by the two permanent magnets, which are magnetized in
such a way as their magnetic fluxes to be added.
A concentrated coil, similar to one of the transformer, is placed on the core
branch from the middle of the module.
The working principle of the machine is similar to that of a rotary TFM with
permanent magnets in the stator and passive rotor [1]. When the module is passive
(having its command coil un-energized) the flux generated by the permanent
magnets closes mostly inside the mover's iron core, Fig. 2.
Two types of linear motors (with small, respectively with enlarged teeth surface)
were analyzed by means of 3D FEM computations. The main dimensions of a
single module of the two machines in study are given in Fig. 5 [4].
Fig. 6. Distribution of the flux density in an active module of the machine having
a) small teeth surface; b) enlarged teeth surface.
As it was expected in this case the flux of the permanent magnets closes almost
entirely through the core branch. The tangential and normal forces are both almost
nil.
As it can be seen from the results given in Fig. 7 the distribution of the magnetic
fluxes is radically different as in the previous case. Significant magnetic flux
density is in the air-gap of both variants. This means that great forces are developed
in both cases.
For the machine with small teeth surface the tangential force is of 2.6 N, while
the normal one is of 25.3 N. In the case of the motor with enlarged teeth surface the
tangential force is nearly double than in the previous case, 4.95 N, and the normal
force has as well a greater value, being of 49.4 N.
Fig. 7. Distribution of the flux density in an active module of the machine having
small teeth surface; b) enlarged teeth surface.
A relevant issue to be studied in this case is the variation of the flux density in
the air-gap. The flux density was computed for several points placed on the line in
the middle of the air-gap, having the length of the module.
Next results for the case of aligned teeth on the two armatures will be presented.
In Fig. 8 the flux density distribution in the air-gap for a module with small teeth
surface is given.
Fig. 8. Flux density distribution in the air-gap for a module with small teeth surface
As it was expected, the peak values of the flux density correspond obviously to
the position of minimum air-gap (where the teeth on the two armatures are face in
face), while the lowest values were obtained for the “slot per slot” position.
In Fig. 9 the same thing as in Fig. 8 is given for the module with enlarged teeth
surface.
Fig. 9. Flux density distribution in the air-gap for a module with enlarged teeth surface
As one can notice, despite the forces are almost double, the values of the flux
density are lower in the second case than in the first one. This is another
improvement obtained by enlarging the teeth surface: the diminishing of the teeth
saturation.
CONCLUSIONS
In the paper, a new structure of linear transverse flux motor was presented. The
factors that influence the performance of the machine were analyzed. A significant
improvement brought to this kind of machine was presented. The benefits obtained
were also exposed in the paper.
The main advantage of this linear machine is that they can be built in very
narrow variants, a frequent requirement in the industry. The cost of the machine is
reasonable low due to the use of classical steel sheets for constructing its iron core.
The proposed linear motors seem to be a good solution for high precision
positioning system used in various applications that require linear movement.
REFERENCES
[1] Viorel, I.A., Henneberger, G., Blissenbach, R., Löwenstein, L., Transverse flux
machines. Their behaviour, design, control and applications, Mediamira
Publisher, Cluj-Napoca (Romania), 2003.
[2] Szabó, L., Popa, D.C., Iancu, V., Compact Double Sided Modular Linear
Motor for Narrow Industrial Applications, Proceedings of the 12th
International Power Electronics and Motion Control Conference
(EPE-PEMC '2004), Portoroz (Slovenia), pp. 1064 – 1069.
[3] D.C. Popa, V. Iancu, L. Szabó, Linear Transverse Flux Reluctance Machine
With Permanent Magnets, Proceeding of the International Conference on
Transversal Flux Machines 2006, Changwon (South Korea), pp. 85 - 90.
[4] D.C. Popa, V. Iancu, L. Szabó, Linear Transverse Flux Motor for Conveyors,
6th International Symposium on Linear Drives for Industrial Application
(LDIA '2007), Lille (France), paper 188.